Coupons are a basic tool we can all employ to save some extra money. They are quite simple to use however finding and collecting coupons can be time consuming. Because of this we often ignore the practicality of using coupons and pay full price. In reality, if we put a little time aside each week, we could cut costs substantially. With a little diligence and organization, couponing can easily become part of your weekly routine. Plus, after reaping the benefits of a fatter wallet for a couple of weeks, you’ll have the motivation to continue your new hobby!
To begin, you’ll need a few things to make this process a bit easier and more organized:
Commit to spending 1 to 2 hours per week on finding and organizing your coupons. This is a small price to pay for the amount of money you can save in the long run. Depending on your schedule, you can break this up into a few minutes each day or get it all done at once.
Decide where you are going to search for coupons. Depending on your location, coupons can be found in a variety of places including, local newspapers, store flyers, coupons websites, coupon apps and store bulletin boards. You may also join social media groups devoted to finding the best coupons in your area.
Once you have collected your coupons, place the ones that expire first in the front of your binder/folder. Depending on how many coupons you have collected, separate tabs can come in handy to organize by item type. This can help you easily locate the coupons you need in the store. Before you go shopping, be sure to check out which coupons you have clipped and in the case of groceries, try to base your meals on these discounted items.
To make the most of your coupons you must understand them. These tips will help you get the most bang for your buck and can even result in paying nothing, receiving cash back or even being credited due to the coupon exceeding the cost of the product.
These are some of the crucial coupon tools and tips for beginners that will help you save your hard earned bucks. The long term benefits of couponing may surprise you as your savings will really add up over time. Have fun on your couponing adventure and enjoy your savings!!